Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, July 22-24. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Friday, July 22
2022 CityView Summer Stirs Event
- Friday, July 22, 5-9 p.m.
- Historic East Village: AJ’s on East Court, Purveyor, Rita’s Cantina, Truman’s KC Pizza, The New Northwestern, Beechwood Lounge, 1717 Brewing Co.
Described as “a traveling cocktail party”, check out Summer Stirs this Friday night in the East Village for an easy sophisticated crawl experience. Just like the flyer says – sample 10 drinks from 7 bars for just $20. For only $20 (prepaid online), participants will receive 10 tickets to use to sample drinks at any of the participating venues. Tickets may also be purchased at the event for $30.
BOOK AHEAD: Sunset Stand Up Paddleboarding at Easter Lake
- Sunset paddles available on Friday evenings; classes available all weekend!
- 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Want to try something new? How about paddle boarding on Easter Lake? You have your choice of an intro to paddle boarding class or a stand up paddle boarding yoga class! We love to go at sunset when the weather is nice. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga uses specialized yoga paddleboards for a new challenge to your practice and connects you with nature, all leading to a sweet floating savasana. Not ready to try SUP Yoga? More interested in just paddling around? Choose their intro long class for the paddling basics and a leisurely paddle around the lake. It’s a great way to use $20!
Yoga in the Yard at Power Life West Glen Lawn
- Friday, July 22, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Power Life West Glen, 5465 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266
West Des Moines people, where ya at? Join PowerLife at West Glen for this outdoor event to celebrate the 20/30 Challenge and The Power Life Foundation. Come before the class or stick around after to enjoy community, face painting, food trucks, yard games, pop-up shops, and more. This family-friendly event is FREE.
Paella Nights at Purveyor DSM
- Friday, July 22, 5:30 p.m.
- Purveyor DSM, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 105, Des Moines, IA 50309
Paella is so freaking good and this is a great opportunity to try it out and check out Purveyor. “The succulent flavors of mussels and shrimp; the aromatic notes of saffron; indeed something to look forward to this Friday starting at 5:30PM at The Purveyor! Meet Basque Chef Marco. It will be an evening to remember.”
- Friday, July 22, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. showtimes.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Max Walter is a Chicago-based comedian who features regularly at Zanies Comedy Club, where he has opened for Mark Normand, Ronny Chieng, Donnell Rawlings, Big Jay Oakerson, Maddy Smith, and many more. He won the 2019 Chicago’s Funniest Standup Tournament and was a finalist in the 2018 San Francisco Comedy Competition. He performed on the 2019 Kenan Thompson Ultimate Comedy Experience and finished 2nd on Wheel of Fortune in 2014.
Saturday, July 9
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, July 23, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s supposed to be HOT this Saturday so get down to the farmers’ market and show your support early. New here? The Downtown Farmers’ Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It’s one of the best in the country!
Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer
- Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m.
- Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Only a few left this summer! Saturday mornings at Secret Admirer are the best before or after browsing through the farmers’ market. Grab a coffee, grab a mimosa, or grab both, and then relax on Secret Admirers’ perfect patio. @bagelaire is returning this Saturday with incredible fresh baked bagels. As always, @northernvessel is on the the coffee. Get there early to beat the heat!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA (near Drake University)
Another extremely important market to hit up – especially if you’re near the Drake neighborhood! Shop for delicious locally-grown produce for you and your family while supporting new Iowans who have a passion for farming! Global Greens Farmers’ Market serves as a platform for former refugees to sell their produce and bolster their small farming businesses. Hosted by Lutheran Services of Iowa.
Yoga in the Park
- Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
The 2022 Yoga in the Park season is on! Join a local yoga instructor at 9 a.m. on the southeast lawn at Gray’s Lake Park for a practice for all skill levels. Classes will not be held in the event of rain.
Flow in the 90s at Inner Space
- Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Inner Space, 1251 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Dressing for the 90’s is encouraged! Dress up, dance and flow with Heather and Julie from @ampersandholisticwellness for this 90’s themed yoga event! This is an all levels 60-minute yoga class with a fun 90’s playlist that will send you back in time hosted in the beautiful Inner Space building.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Storyhouse Bookpub’s Find Waldo Local Scavenger Hunt
- All weekend!
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Where’s Waldo? In the East Village, of course! Storyhouse Bookpub is hiding the iconic children’s book character in the red-and-white-striped shirt and black-rimmed specs in twenty-five local businesses in the East Village this July. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2022, Find Waldo Local is a great summer vacation activity and a wonderful way to support local businesses across the @eastvillagedsm.” Make sure to check into their Summer Reading Challenge as well.
LAST WEEKEND: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical at the DM Community Playhouse
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Performances all weekend!
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Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd Street, Des Moines IA 50312
Family Day at the Park with Iowa Black Doula Collective and The Supply Hive
- Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Evelyn K Davis Park South Shelter, 1400 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
The Iowa Black Doula Collective invites you to Family Day at the Park on Saturday, July 23rd, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Evelyn K Davis Park South Shelter. They’re welcoming EVERYONE of all ages to enjoy food and drinks, games, music, and fun in the sun. And yes, they have water games because it’ll be hot.
Wine and Salad Pairing Workshop at Rose Farmstead
- Saturday, July 23, 3-5 p.m.
- Rose Farm, 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa, 50211
It’s definitely salad season, a.k.a it’s too hot to prepare anything else! You can still make salad taste gourmet though. Pairing wine with salads (and vegetables, in general) can be hard, but so truly delicious. This workshop (in a beautiful setting) will allow you to taste five different salads, get the recipes, and learn expert tips for pairings the wines.
Sunday, July 10
- Sunday, July 24, 9-10 a.m.
- Cowles Commons, 300 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
We love the summer yoga options around Downtown Des Moines! Des Moines Performing Arts is offering Yoga on the Commons every Sunday morning at Cowles Commons. Each week’s practice will be held by a different instructor. Classes will be offered as a free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting Des Moines Performing Arts.
- Sunday, July 24, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, United States
Here’s another yoga opportunity this weekend, but this one is followed by a bottomless mimosa bar and brunch food. The class will be led by Power Life. The class will be outside on the lawn weather permitting. Please bring your own yoga mat or towel. All levels welcome!
Brunch and Serv’d Drag Show at Willow and Grand
- Sunday, July 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Head to Willow On Grand for its “sunday’s best” brunch series. Willow On Grand is teaming up with Serv’d events for a Sunday’s Best- 2000’s Pop, Drag Edition! Join them for a day full of friends sunshine, amazing throwbacks, fun cocktails, and QUEENS. Your ticket covers the cost of entry, food, venue, and entertainment.
Aura Readings at KIN DSM
- Saturday, July 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 24, from 1-3:30 p.m.
- KIN DSM, 333 E Grand Ave #106, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you’ve ever wondered about your aura and the energy in your auric field, having it captured on film is a special, unique experience. In a ten-minute session, this special camera will capture your aura on film, and you’ll also leave with a printed reading of your aura, a keepsake folder, and a description of what the different aura colors mean. Kindred Auras is located inside KIN DSM in the East Village! This is a perfect, memorable group activity to beat the heat.
Brunch at Republic on Grand
- Sunday, July 24, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Brunch is back on at Republic on Grand! From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays, stop by for their brunch menu and take in great views of the city. We’re most excited to try the Bacon Jam Breakfast Sliders and Chicken and Waffles.
